How we score multitools

Every score on this site is calculated from the product data you can see on each page. The formula and weights below are the whole story. Scoring version 1.0-draft.

The formula

For each use (all-round, EDC, camping, hiking, fishing, work, cycling) a multitool gets a score from 0 to 100. The all-round score drives the overall ranking on Best multitools.

• Tool fit, 40%: the weighted share of the tools that matter for that use. The weights are listed below.
• Portability, 20%: full marks up to the ideal weight for that use, falling linearly to zero at the maximum.
• Usability, 20%: one-hand opening 35%, outside-accessible tools 25%, locking tools 25%, pocket clip 15%.
• Durability, 10%: blade steel tier 50%, replaceable wire cutters 25%, warranty 25%.
• Value, 10%: tool fit and usability, adjusted for the price band.

An editor may adjust a score by at most 5 points. When that happens, the reason is shown on the product page.

Commissions never enter the formula. Which retailer pays us more can change the order of the "check price" buttons, never the order of products.

How we count tools

Manufacturers count tools differently: three screwdriver sizes or a bottle opener and a can opener on one blade can each count as separate tools. We count functions: each distinct kind of tool counts once. We show the maker's own number next to ours.

How picks are chosen

Ranking pages open with picks such as "Best value under $75" or "Best for everyday carry". Each pick is the highest-scoring tool that meets the category's condition (a price limit, a weight limit, or the use's must-have tools). Picks are taken in order and a tool already picked is skipped, so one model cannot win every category. No pick is chosen by hand.

Strengths and trade-offs on product pages are also worked out from the data: weight and tool count are compared with tools of the same type in our database, and features such as locking blades or a missing saw are listed as they are. They are not the result of hands-on testing.

Tool weights by use

Camping

Ideal weight up to 220 g, zero portability at 380 g. Must have: knife.

Knife 1 · Saw 1 · Needlenose pliers 0.8 · Ferro rod (fire starter) 0.6 · Regular pliers 0.5 · Can opener 0.5 · Awl / reamer 0.5 · Bottle opener 0.4 · Scissors 0.4 · Tent stake puller 0.4 · Hammer 0.3 · Blade sharpener 0.3 · Emergency whistle 0.3

Cycling

Ideal weight up to 100 g, zero portability at 250 g.

Hex wrench 1 · Bit driver 0.8 · Phillips screwdriver 0.5 · Needlenose pliers 0.5 · Wrench / spanner 0.5 · Flathead screwdriver 0.4 · Knife 0.4 · Wire cutter 0.3

Everyday carry

Ideal weight up to 120 g, zero portability at 280 g. Must have: knife.

Knife 1 · Scissors 0.8 · Bottle opener 0.6 · Flathead screwdriver 0.6 · Bit driver 0.6 · Needlenose pliers 0.6 · Phillips screwdriver 0.5 · Package opener / hook blade 0.4 · File 0.3 · Pry bar / nail puller 0.3 · Tweezers 0.3

Fishing

Ideal weight up to 180 g, zero portability at 320 g. Must have: needlenose pliers.

Needlenose pliers 1 · Wire cutter 0.8 · Scissors 0.8 · Knife 0.7 · Hard-wire cutter 0.4 · Hook (fish scaler, pulling hook): null 0.4 · Serrated knife 0.4 · Bottle opener 0.2

All-round use

Ideal weight up to 180 g, zero portability at 350 g. Must have: knife, needlenose pliers.

Knife 1 · Needlenose pliers 1 · Wire cutter 0.8 · Scissors 0.8 · Bit driver 0.7 · Regular pliers 0.6 · Saw 0.6 · Flathead screwdriver 0.6 · Phillips screwdriver 0.5 · Bottle opener 0.4 · File 0.4 · Can opener 0.3 · Awl / reamer 0.3 · Wire stripper 0.3 · Ruler 0.2

Hiking and backpacking

Ideal weight up to 90 g, zero portability at 250 g. Must have: knife.

Knife 1 · Scissors 0.8 · Tweezers 0.6 · Needlenose pliers 0.5 · Awl / reamer 0.4 · Ferro rod (fire starter) 0.4 · Emergency whistle 0.4 · Saw 0.3

Work and trades

Ideal weight up to 250 g, zero portability at 400 g. Must have: needlenose pliers, wire cutter.

Needlenose pliers 1 · Wire cutter 1 · Bit driver 0.9 · Regular pliers 0.8 · Hard-wire cutter 0.6 · Wire stripper 0.6 · Knife 0.6 · Crimper 0.5 · Flathead screwdriver 0.5 · Phillips screwdriver 0.5 · File 0.4 · Ruler 0.4 · Pry bar / nail puller 0.4 · Saw 0.3

Blade steel tiers

MAGNACUT 1 · S30V 0.85 · 154CM 0.75 · N690 0.65 · 420HC 0.5 · X50CRMOV15 0.45. Unknown or unnamed stainless steel: 0.4.

Where the data comes from

Specifications come from manufacturer pages and manuals and are cross-checked against at least one independent source before a product is published. Every product page lists its sources and the date it was last verified. Where sources disagree, we note it and use the manufacturer's figure unless it is clearly wrong.